AUTO MECHANICS

NOTE: Access to an automobile or truck (with owners manual) is
needed to meet some of the requirements for this merit badge.

Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment, tools,
and clothing used while checking or repairing a motor vehicle.
Use the equipment, tools, and/or clothing (when needed of called
for) in meeting the requirements for this merit badge.

Explain how an internal combustion engine operates and the
differences between gasoline and diesel engines.

Demonstrate you knowledge of general maintenance. Do the
following:

Demonstrate how to check the fluid level of the following:

Brake Fluid

Engine Oil

Coolant

Power steering fluid

Windshield washer fluid

Transmission fluid (automatic and standard)

Check battery fluid, if possible, and the condition
of battery terminals.

Show the location of fuse boxes and the size of fuses,
and demonstrate the proper replacement of burned-out fuses.

Review the maintenance chart in the owner's manual.
Explain the requirements and time limits.

Choose a care cleaner and wax product for the vehicle.
explain clear-coat paint and the precautions necessary
for care. Clean and wax the vehicle, both inside and
out.

Use a vinyl and rubber protectant (on vinyl tops,
rubber door seals, sidewalls, etc.) and explain the
importance of this protectant.

Demonstrate how to check the condition and tension of
belts and hoses.

Demonstrate the following:

Check the lighting in the vehicle, including instrument,
warning, and exterior bulbs.

Check headlight alignment

Demonstrate how to check the vehicle exhaust system.

Demonstrate your knowledge of the following:

Explain the difference between tire and vehicle
manufacturer's information specifications and demonstrate
where to find these specifications.

Demonstrate how to check pressure and properly inflate
a tire.

Using the manufacturer's jack supplied with the
vehicle:

Demonstrate how to engage the jack correctly
on the vehicle.

Demonstrate how to correctly change a tire.

Explain the difference between bias-belted tires
and radial-belted tires.

Diagram and explain in writing how to rotate bias-belted
and radial-belted tires.

Using the manufacturer's guidelines, rotate the
tires on the vehicle.

Explain the camber, caster, and toe-in adjustments
on wheel alignment.

Explain why wheel alignment is important to the
life of a tire.

Explain the purpose of the lateral-wear bar indicator.

Explain how to dispose of old tires properly.

Demonstrate your knowledge of engine lubrication. Do the
following:

Explain the purpose of motor oil.

Explain where to find the recommended type and amount
of oil to be used in the vehicle engine.

Explain the difference in viscosity (10W/30 versus SAE
30).

Perform an oil change and oil filter change on a vehicle.

Explain how to dispose of the used oil and filter properly.

Cooling system Do the following:

Explain the need for coolant in the cooling system.

Flush and change the engine coolant in the vehicle according
to the manufacturer's instructions.

Explain how to dispose of used coolant properly.

Demonstrate your knowledge of a fuel system. Do the following:

Explain how the air and fuel system work together.

Explain how a carburetor works and how a fuel- injection
system works.

Explain how an on-board computer works with the fuel
injection system. Show where the computer is located.

Explain why it is necessary to have an air filter and
a fuel filter. Locate them and change them according to
the manufacturer's recommendations.

Explain what fuel additives are. for both the carburetor
and the fuel injection systems.

Demonstrate your knowledge of ignition and electrical systems.
Do the following:

Diagram and explain the parts of the electrical system.

Explain the cylinder engine sequence.

Explain the spark plug gap and if practical, change
the spark plug. (Use an engine with spark plugs that can
be reached without tilting the engine.)

Demonstrate how to connect jumper cables on your battery
properly. Explain how to jump-start a vehicle.

Explain the difference between electronic and point
ignition systems.

Demonstrate your knowledge of a drive train. Do the following:

Diagram the drive train and explain the different parts.

Explain the difference between automatic and standard
transmissions.

Explain the types of automatic transmission fluid.

Explain the types of lubricants used in a standard transmission
and in the differential.

Explain the difference between front-wheel, rear- wheel,
and four-wheel drive.

Explain the gear ratio of the differential.

Demonstrate your knowledge of a brake system. Do the following:

Explain the brake system (including anti-lock systems)
and how it operates.

Explain the differences between disk and shoe systems.

Demonstrate checking conditions on a vehicle brake system.
After checking make a recommendation for repairs (if necessary).

Explain the purpose, importance, and limitations of passive
restraints.

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